The Joy Edit #18
Updated: Sep 3
Welcome to The Joy Edit ā my monthly roundup of what's kept me sane, inspired, and entertained, in hopes that it does the same for you š
I sprained my ankle this month. I told the nurses in York hospitalās accident and emergency department that I was paragliding. I wasnāt, and they knew I wasnāt. I slipped taking out the washing.
First of all: never wear thick socks with slides.
Second of all: feel the guilt and rest anyway.
Today I noticed all the stuff Iāve not done this week and I felt guilty about it. Why? I work to my own schedule, I have no one breathing down my neck, and I implicitly know the deep requirement we all have for downtime ā even without a movement-impacting injury.
But weāve been trained to feel guilty for not being always on. So my mission this next month: feel the guilt and rest anyway. Read more on this here.
In other news:
Iām working (semi)hard to get my book proposal out to literary agents right now and Iām so excited about it (know someone whoād be a good match with me? Let me know). The bookās currently sitting at about 35k words and counting. Yes, Iāve written way less recently and thatās okay (she says with a slightly feral eye twitch).
Iām also prepping for Septemberās live sessionĀ ā a counter to the madness of spinning those 4638 plates, attempting to control everything, and working ourselves into the ground. Weāll unpack some light philosophy, move a little, and rest a lot, with the aim of getting clarity, perspective, and a way calmer system.
September 17th, 7pm BST
60 minute session, replay available, free for JoyfulĀ members
Not a member yet? Join me and this session for just Ā£14.45
And I've opened two 1:1 spots for September ā if working closer with me sounds like your jam, just email chloe@chloemarkham.co.uk and we'll talk.
If youāre tired of earning your rest, your wellbeing, your happiness, and you want to feel calm and clear for whateverās coming next in your life, thatās what I do best. Glad youāre here for the ride š
More good stuff below.
Big love,
Chloeš§”
Read
A new favourite of mine on Substack ā feminist, no-shit-taken, powerhouse writing from Maria CassanoĀ on her The Good Girl Recovery Guide.Ā Iāve loved every piece sheās written lately. Think you will, too.
Listen & Watch
The best thing I made this month, and itās from the JoyfulĀ podcast: You Don't Have to Be a B*tch to Set a Boundary
A session to schedule: September 17th, 7pm BST
Iām tooting my own horn again, but this live will be brilliant. Weāll explore:
The best question the Stoics asked 2,000 years ago and why it still cuts straight through modern overwhelm
A simple, practical way to tell the difference between whatās yours to carry and what isnāt
Gentle, seated movement ā no mat, no leggings, no yoga experience required
A guided nervous-system unwind to help the idea settle in your body, not just your head
Space to reflect, connect, and ask questions
This isnāt a yoga class. It isnāt a lecture. Itās an hour to get some joyful perspective, rearrange the anxious part of your head, and recharge your batteries.
Join JoyfulĀ at 15% off (Ā£14.45) and your spot in the live is included.
Youāll also get everything else inside Joyful for a whole month, from the weekly essays and practices to the full 6-Week Joy Experiment.
After your first month, itās Ā£17/month. Cancel any time.
A book Iām loving: Three Men in a Boatā
Yeah, itās taken me this long to get around to reading this. And Iām so glad I am. Itās hilarious.
Another book Iām loving: On Writing by Stephen Kingā
A wonderful insight into a masterās life and habit. Although if youāre like me, youāll just have to skip over the fact he writes 2k words every morning, rain or shine, birthday or Christmasā¦ way to intimidate us mortals, Steve.
Thank god. Because you know how much music is made entirely by AI every day? 90k. Every day (according to Deezer).
Want a more joyful inbox? Come join me āĀ I write the good stuff twice a week.